The University Maryland Electron Ring (UMER)

A detailed understanding of the physics of space-charge dominated beams is vital in the design of heavy ion inertial fusion (HIF) drivers. In that regard, low-energy, high-intensity electron beams provide an excellent model system. The University of Maryland Electron Ring (UMER), currently under construction, has been designed to study the physics of space-charge dominated beams with extreme intensity in a strong focusing lattice with dispersion. At 10 keV, 100 mA, the UMER beam has a generalized perveance in the range of 0.0015, corresponding to that of proposed HIF drivers. Though compact (11 m in circumference), UMER is a very complex device. In this paper, the unique design features of this research facility, the beam physics to be investigated, and recent experimental results in the prototype injector as well as simulation studies will be reviewed.